Robbery suspect beaten by fellow inmate, deputies say

Syracuse, NY -- A Cicero man accused in armed robberies in East Syracuse and Syracuse was beaten in a holding cell by another prisoner, authorities said.

Vernon Hauswirth II, 22, and Quientin Johnson Jr., 18, shared a cell early today in the Onondaga County Justice Center as they awaited arraignment in their separate cases, sheriff's Sgt. John D'Eredita said.

D'Eredita said Hauswirth was sleeping on the cell floor when Johnson attacked him. The reason for the attack is unclear, D'Eredita said.

"They were both in a holding cell and, for whatever reason, Johnson launched an assault on Hauswirth," D'Eredita said.

D'Eredita said authorities have not verified whether Johnson is related to Hauswirth's victims.

Hauswirth admitted robbing an 82-year-old woman at knifepoint Monday in East Syracuse and cutting a 45-year-old woman's arm as he sliced her purse strap Tuesday in the 200 block of North Avenue in Syracuse, Syracuse and East Syracuse police said.

Johnson is accused of attacking Hauswirth about 6:45 a.m. The investigation is continuing, and charges have not yet been filed, D'Eredita said.

Hauswirth was taken to University Hospital, but was later released back into custody.